Mar 31 The Final Storm by Fern Michaels

   

 

The Final Storm by Fern Michaels

This story starts out with Alex and Charlotte and they are on their way from Costa Rica to FL to get her mother out of the nursing home as the hurricane is about to hit.

Then we go back in time when Charlotte was just graduating from high school and then college. Her life photographing nature was her speciality and she was really good at it. She takes offers sometimes for days, sometimes weeks all over the world. Story also focuses on her time with Grant and life choices they were faced to make.

Very moving, powerful story of decisions and options.

Love hearing how this ended. Descriptions are so very detailed and precise I can picture myself there.

Love author's stories, hope there will be more..

Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 #TheFinalStorm #NetGalley 

Mar 31 Assassin's Wife By Ethan Jones

 

 

Assassin's Wife  By Ethan Jones

Like this story because it's fast paced action and with the step by step in depth details you get to virtually see and feel what the character is going through, how to land and why.

Cole is on a mission and she's going to trail him because she can't contact him in any means they normally use.  She does have a few clues and she follows up on them, not really knowing the exact location.

Just when things are going wrong she has to stick herself in harms way to sway the way things will end up. She's surprised who's there to help her thinking they had a mole in the group...

So much action, travel, adventure and the mysteries from years gone by.

Love how they help together to get the back guys and save their soul but....

Didn't see it ending as it did, can't wait for the next one! Wish they'd make this into a movie, would be a big hit!  

Book Review: Notes from the Brand Stand – Warren Kornblum

  

 

Notes from the Brand Stand – Warren Kornblum

This is a self help book that you should handy on your shelf. It explains what to do, who to talk to and who really to pay attention to when it comes to your brand. So many examples of companies that made it big and then closed.  You not only have to pay attention to the customers but also what they are doing and what new trends you will have to incorporate into your brand to keep it selling to others. If you don't your store will close. Love the word of mouth to spread about your products.

Love the examples of the children playing with new toys and not asking them what they think about them, but just by watching how they play with it, for how long or how short of a time before they go find another toy to play with.

They are key notes in each chapter. It's all summarized at the end to make it easier for you to check off the things you've done and which you need to work on.

Great resource book. So much imagination and inspirations and confident structures to base your company on.

Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

  

Book Review: Eden 2:b By Joseph Anderson

   

 

Eden 2:b By Joseph Anderson

This story starts out with Atom and he's on a special project that takes him and the crew into outer space. They have accomplished two of their missions and have just the last one to complete. Should be an easy one as they land and leave the shuttle to investigate on the planet they have found. So much blue and green they observe from the air. Lots of water and trees. Didn't think I'd enjoy this book but it's very entertaining.

They were only to get samples of water, plants etc and leave. Just when things are going well the shuttle breaks and then more things occur. 

Love how they play at being humans in the water and then  communicate with the others that show up.

Not only is this a sci fic novel but romance at times, political at times and medical at times. When you get bored with one part you can just go ahead into another genre in the same book.

Love how it all comes together and there are more in the series. So imaginative.

Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion. 

Book Review: The Real Ones by J Rose Black

   

 

The Real Ones by J Rose Black

First time reading this author and I like the style she uses. Love all the football yardages and strategy. What happens off the field though is another twist to the story line. Ella plays flag football and notices Maddox and they hit it off. A rival team sees what's happening and warn Maddox to keep away from her....Maddox leaves but never forgetting about her. You wonder how they can ever get back together when they both thrown into  flag football game. He had just bailed on her when things were going good, she wants no part of that again.

Lots of adult situations. More twists as she hears about the internal investigation with the football players.  Would definitely read more from this author.

Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

 

 

Book Review: The Lifer and the Lawyer by George Critchlow, Michael Anderson

  

 

The Lifer and the Lawyer by George Critchlow, Michael Anderson

Love this book from the start when they mentioned Leonard Cohen.  True story.

This story is about Michael and he's imprisoned. for a handful of life sentences. He remains married and even had conjugal visits where he fathered more children.

He is a strong person and is able to help alleviate tensions and fights at the prison. He gets to talk to a priest and he is sold on the religion. He is given permission to work outside the prison so he can earn money for the family for when he's gone.   Love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter.

George, now a lawyer and stayed in touch and now wants to get him out of the prison. He has to come up with why he deserves to be out. This totally reminds me of Grisham books and the Lincoln Lawyer as they both help other wrongfully accused get out of prison.

Book also speaks of then Michael was younger and didn't have much of a home life so he was able to find trouble wherever he went. Like hearing from the lifer, the lawyer and lifers' wife: Dee. Three different angles of what really happened and their reasoning for why and how.

Love the descriptive details of the scenes as they play before my eyes. Like ending and how Michael was able to leave a note for others he had harmed in his younger years as he was ordered no contact with them.

So much emotion and politics with the prison system these days. Some things need to change as you can legally purchase drugs in some states.

Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion. 

Poinsettia Girl By Jennifer Wizbowskiook

 

 

 Poinsettia Girl BY Jennifer Wizbowski

This story starts out with Agata and her grandmother is taking care of her, Guilelma.

Agate's mother has passed away and she was the one to see her lying on the floor in blood. Her dad still lives there also but as a musician in 1700's he's often on the streets so others can hear his music. He tries to teach her the music also and she gets some of it. He's often not at home, weeks at a time. Guilelma is failing in health now and relies on a friend to take Agata to the ladies orphanage and they can raise her. She has lots of money to make sure that happens. The girls are raised to be Catholic and  not much talking. They obey the rules, line up in order and say their prayers. They are given time for the music also. Agata has not shown them what she can do with her voice. They train her ove the years and she did get to glimpse her father once. She also sees the man in the red coat. one she saw at the church funeral service for her mother.

The goal of the girls is to be seen and heard that a man will buy them and the girl must give up her love and doing music any longer. They are able to be called a poinsettia girl as they wear that flower when performing.

The struggles are long and hard for her through the years. No one comes to visit with her. At the time when she's old enough to understand she is handed things from her grandmother and other family truths come to light. Loved hearing about the customs of the Venice community, especially during the funeral and what was frowned upon. Didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. Hope to read more from this author because they make you feel as if you were there. Like that she did stay in touch with the neighbor boy and his sister.

Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Mar 26 The Love Feud by Janine Amesta

  

 

The Love Feud by Janine Amesta

This story starts out with Hailey and she's helping the family business by calling others to cancel their hot air balloon ride as the pilot is now dead. Others are trying to save the company with the financial parts of it. She's hopes to persuade a man to take over for the pilot. Hailey plans for a big show they will be putting on. Ryland was dating her in years gone by but she broke up with him. Now they are doing this dating thing to gain more social media interest, it's all for show. Called fake hate and I just don't get it.

His father shows up the day of the show and his mother sees them, her daughter is crying... SO many misunderstandings. 

Like hearing how the community is behind the big event.

Received this review copy from the publisher via BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion. 

Mar 25 A Soldier's Promise by Jane Porter

  

 

A Soldier's Promise by Jane Porter

in this story we find Josie has sent Finn to help Savannah with Mick, Noahs dog.

He also takes care of Savannah at his location where he is to install some security items.

Finn didn't go to his familys Christmas reunion because of his father. Tthey just rub each other the wrong way.  Love how the whole community stands together for her. When she's ready to give birth he calls his mother and she comes to them to help because Savannah is just not sure how to be a mother.

She was all set to turn the baby over to another couple to raise her.

Very emotional times during the story that resonate  with me being a mom. Sad to hear she didn't think she'd make a good mother.

Like outings they take in the town during the holidays and what he is able to do  about the house they will be staying in.

Love ending but didn't see it going that way at all, so unpredictable.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Mar 10 Wildflower Season Book 4 of The Southern Isles by Laurie Beach

  

 

Wildflower Season Book 4 of The Southern Isles by Laurie Beach

In his story we find Tootie and she's recalling her elementary school days when she got married to her boyfriend under the tree. As the years go by they lose touch with one another...

Present day and we find Tootie in her own home, a gift from her uncle forcolllege graduation on her sisters land. The boathouse is on the march which she loves the nature around her.

They are preparing for her sisters wedding down the road and there are a lot of plans to make. She makes her way to smugglers cove to investigate the cove again and she sees a man up ahead. Mason is a tourist and he didn't know what to do in the area and she has plenty of ideas. They find the cave and it's dark and murky and the tide is coming in. He asks for more things to do and she tells him to meet her at full moon high tide where she will teach him about horseshoe crabs.

Love hearing about all the fun things to explore even the island with the cemetery. Like how she finds Huck and he's become her companion now...

Like the reason why the title was created, so pretty and lovely how she comes by the seeds. Like how she and others in town realize who Mason really is ...

Like this series a lot because it involves a lot of different age groups and their problems and how they are solved. Best to read in order they were published to get the full account of the lives of the family.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Mar 23 A Little Bit Country Book 1 of From the Outback to the Sea by Jacinta Peachey

   

 

A Little Bit Country Book 1 of From the Outback to the Sea by Jacinta Peachey

This story starts out with Jazzie and she's reinventing herself again. Every place she's moved to and gotten a job she's been accused of a crime and she's had to relocate to another area of the country and she starts all over again. Her father had embezzled money so she's got the rep of being the same.

She's just gotten a good job and a promotion because she was able to sell her idea of the eggs to another company with regular deliveries. Problem is she celebrates that night with a man she never met, Ben and she leaves in the morning. When she shows up for work they inform her she did not get that contact.

They get to spend time together and I love hearing about his love of wood as my son has that career now. SO imaginative. Super love hearing of Jazzie's work with yarn as that's right up my alley. I can picture her creations and have made many of my own design as well.

Fire sets the town into action by helping restore everything that was lost, mostly the garden plants and she can't believe how it all happened. Her parents come to a fair where she's showing her crafts along with the ladies and they tell her she will get through it. She finds out she's disqualified from something her father had done. It just never goes well with them.

Love how this all plays out and Ben and Jazzie get to really divulge their secrets to one another. Precious.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Scarlet Odyssey by Brian H. Roberts

  

 

Scarlet Odyssey by Brian H. Roberts

Justin and David grew up as siblings. Oldest is the bully. Years later they both own a place of business. They are now selling high end boats. David makes the deals and Justin's name is on all the sales. Justin finds out later that his name is on the sales and he questions David and they think they should go to the authorities. Justin has traced the LLC to the cartel.  At a gathering the boys and The fiancée attended but Justin has been sold into human trafficking. Ends up in the jungles and working in the mines, and he meets a priest that helps him out but it's a long road home. He has evidence. So many brutal assaults, deaths and gore in this story.

Like how Justin helps others when he can....love the retaliation. So justified for his family members.

Like how this moves into the next book: earth minerals on Mars and how Justin plans to get them for US  companies he owns...

Didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. Well thought out. Very descriptive details, felt at times I was there in the room. Would like to read more form this author.

 

Book Review: Montana Sanctuary by Josie Jade

   

 

Montana Sanctuary by Josie Jade

This story is about Evelyn and she's on the run. Thought for the past several years she was safe, now she knows he's back again. She has the collection of rings to prove it so she moves on. Like how she tries to protect herself and lands at a sanctuary ranch where others are healing and they all form a nice team working through things. She also has a job in town and she waits on others and the owner bakes. She enjoys it.  Story also follows Lucas who's got problems of his own. He also is a horse whisperer and he has one client that's giving him a hard time. He has hallucinations that wake him up night and he has to put on every light in the house and just walk. He sometimes walks outside where he found Eve and they get to talk and he keeps his distance, telling her in his way that he knows she's hurting.

Nathan from Eve's past thinks he owns her and her body, etc. He's on the trail again and he's found her again. The black rose petals throughout her cabin are the sign along with a piece of jewelry.

She is petrified and Lucas will take her into his cabin from there on. The men ramp up the security around the property as they find out more details about Nathan.

His money can buy anything... Last ditch effect the men leave to get Nathan. Eve's friend at the coffee shop call and needs a jump for her car. The two surrounding Eve all go and things are going ok, the car won't stop they will just drive her home.  Nathan shows up and explosions occur and he's able to kidnap the two women.  Such a scary tale from then til the hospitals scenes. Eve is conscious again and Lucas leaves to get a snack. When he returns there is the black rose petal... So scary for them all. Nathan had bought his way out of jail and state police guarding him to show up at the hospital.

Creepy book for me but i just couldn't put it down. Love the ending. Like hearing how Eve actually was able to help with the animal therapy program as the horse didn't like men. She had grows up knowing what to do with horses. Would read another book in this series. Very super descriptive and chilling to the bone in some instances.

 

Mar 19 Her Guardian’s Salvation by charlee james

  

 

Her Guardian’s Salvation by charlee james

Love this story about Ivy who's a house inspector. When she's on the job she hears others in the house and knows she has to escape from where she is, heads to the woods and gunshots follow her. She falls down a cliff and Jude is the one to find her. He is having his annual cabin in the woods retreat to forget aobut how his family died and he blames himself. He is able to rescue Ivy.

It's only the beginning as she tells her story to him. Investitive cops take over and track down leads to find the men and it gets more involved from there.

What a story!  Adult situations but love the moments she is able to connect with Jude because of her brother Ash who has some of the same ailments that he deals with. Love catching up with the rest of Jude's team and their lives.

Would recommend this story but best if read from the very beginning.

Can't wait to read the next one already.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Book Review: The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: Series Preview by Jan Moran

  

 

The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: Series Preview by Jan Moran

This book contains information about the author's works, the series and a preview sample of each of the starting books in the series.

Good collections or light romance books 

Book Review: Bait the Devil Book 2 of A Bounty of Shadows by Winter Austin

  

   

Bait the Devil Book 2 of A Bounty of Shadows by Winter Austin

Story starts out with Dot and she's on a mission to catch the bounty for her and the group.

She's not a PI yet but others are and they get leads on the bounty and who they need to be capturing.

Love the step by step process and how they are able to track the culprits down and get them.

Love the team and what they mean to one another and how well they work as a team.

Lots of action, mystery, and adventure.

Like how the missions go on target then things go haywiere and then it even gets worse. Super love the ending, didn't see that happening! Can't wait to read more form the author.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Travel With Style by Anastasia Pash

  

 

Travel With Style by Anastasia Pash

Love this book because it's written by someone who's traveled the world since in her young years. She lists a country and tells you about the clothing you should bring, depending on the time of year: all of the seasons.  Even includes day/night temps to be aware of. The customs and traditions are also mentioned along with rules/laws about illegal things and other things that you might do to put yourself in harms way by dressing provocatively warranting unwanted advances. There are so many locations and countries and so much to do that she also lists and how to dress for a theater vs. a walkthrough town.

It's all about combination clothing, where you can wear a light weight sweater in multiple outfits and how to take a photo of the ensemble so you won't have to hassle with searching through clothes that you brought with you.

LOVE FAQ'S  at  the end where she explains which container/suitcase/backpack to use and when and how to pack them properly. SO much valuable information in this book.

 

Book Review: Sisters in Christ: Defeat the Enemy One Powerful Prayer At a Time (JESUS in the EVERYDAY) by Cheri Swalwell

  

 

Sisters In Christ by Cheri Swalwell

Book starts out with a dedication page then a note from the author about SIC Society

Table of contents is enclosed.

Introduction talks about how the author became a Sister In Christ.

Chapters start out with a title and the theme for that chapter, and the author's story.

Segments also include: What does the Bible say, Real Life, Takeaway for Today,  Prayer to Abba and Your turn where the Q&A and discussions questions are listed.

Like this format throughout the book because I like order and being uniform.

What I learned from this book is a lot-Love how the author takes a thought and relates how it directly effects her and her family and how SIC's can help one another even from different backgrounds and at a different place in their lives.

Like the sections about the Bible-they make the passage come to life, in real life terms.

Even Covid19 is mentioned several times as it relates to some discussions.

Love the part about the Brothers in Christ-that was a surprise to read about, Love Indians and their traditions and customs.

Book is so down to earth and easy to put into your own life situations.

Listened intently to this book as I baked by hand so noise of mixer wouldn't take over what I was hearing and I felt a peace, calm and no upheaval.

Like the conclusion and how to reach out to others. Ends with contact the author and bio of the author.

Love how the author opens up in many cases and I recall going through several in my lifetime as well.

  Also there are questions to ask yourself if the topic is revelent to you, and the 'takeaway' for the section is also super helpful summarizing the whole section.

Author makes this book so easy to follow along and how you can pick out the moments in your own life where the Holy Ghost was actually right there with you the whole time.

Such a blessing to be able to read and review this book. Contents will stick with me for a long time.

Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. 

Book Review: Holy Spirit Anointing: Your Weapon to Walk in Victory by Cheri Swalwell

  

 

Holy Spirit Anointing: Your Weapon to Walk in Victory by Cheri Swalwell 

Love this story because growing up Catholic and then attending Catholic schools we were taught about the Holy Ghost, God and Jesus. Never knoew how others saw it as Uncle Clyde.  When I hear the word ghost I usually see it as an alien. When I know it's about religion I do not see it as an alien but a most treasured high God status.

Love the stories how the author put herself out there and tells you how she overcame so much and still fighting the good battle of her other fears. So very personal and touching, emotional and hits home with me.

Love how she reaches out to others who are very close to her to prayer with her as she is there for them as well. 

So many struggles and sadness at times but she continues on to realize her fears and weaknesses and prays about how to overcome them and she has!

Read a different book tonight and it talked how the man had dropped to the floor and he had his father and dead brother speaking to him, like the Holy Ghost. Couldn't believe it said that exactly in the book. so cool to have this connection while reading, to know he's always there for you. And now I know so much more about the Holy Ghost when I pray that I never knew before. Something just so simple.

Can't wait to read more from this author, she gets right to the point, in easy fashion and style.

 

Book Review: The Diner by Joanne DeMaio

   

The Diner by Joanne DeMaio 

In this story we find Shane and he's back to Maine for work. He hates the pull of Stony Point, CT and what's there for him.

He gets some surprises when he returns for the day and then the phone call about the CT group. People almost died and he wasn't there to help them.

Back at Stony Point Jason walks into the diner after hours and finds a robber holding a gun to Kyle's face. He takes matters into his own hands stating the rest of the guys will be there soon to play cards. 

They are able to escape harm but it eats at their brains the whole week and then some.

Love how they find solace in others and how they are able to just let it all go.

So emotional and touching as things are happening. Jason has an out of body experience and he can't explain it to anybody but Shane.

Love how the group will be celebrating in the next book.

Love the beach scene and all that comes with it Love catching up with the others and Cliff's son is new to the series. Lots of mysteries, secrets and there's a lot more to come.

Love this series and can't wait to read more.